About Kotzebue — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
Northwest Arctic Borough doesn't maintain its own detention facility. Instead, those arrested in the borough are held at the Kotzebue Regional Jail, which operates under city management. The booking process follows standard procedures: fingerprinting, photographing, and recording the arrestee's personal information. Anyone seeking inmate information can contact the facility directly for lookup services. Visitation rules are set by the jail itself, and those planning to visit should check with staff beforehand for current guidelines.
Arrest Records
The Alaska State Troopers maintain arrest records for Northwest Arctic Borough, reflecting their role as the primary law enforcement agency across the region. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the troopers directly. A typical arrest record includes the individual's name, arrest date, charges filed, and which agency made the arrest.
Access to these documents is governed by the Alaska Public Records Act, which establishes transparency requirements and ensures public access to government records, including those related to arrests and law enforcement activities.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Northwest Arctic Borough includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Alaska State Troopers and the Kotzebue Police Department, depending on the jurisdiction of the offense. To run a background check in Alaska, individuals can contact the Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which provides background checks for residents.
Vital Records
Residents of Kotzebue, Alaska can obtain vital records, such as birth certificates and death certificates, through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Vital Records office at https://health.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/Pages/default.aspx. This website offers information on how to request and access these important personal documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Kotzebue can access relevant information and resources through the USA.gov website at https://www.usa.gov/government-records. This portal provides guidance on obtaining business licenses, permits, and other necessary documentation required to establish and maintain operations within the city, helping local entrepreneurs navigate regulatory requirements.
Economy & Demographics
Kotzebue, Alaska's economy is largely driven by fishing, subsistence hunting, and tourism. Major employers in the city include local government, healthcare, and the service industry. Residents can access information on unclaimed property, such as forgotten bank accounts or uncashed checks, through the USA.gov Unclaimed Money website at https://www.usa.gov/unclaimed-money. This resource can help individuals and businesses in Kotzebue recover any unclaimed assets.
Elections & Voter Records
The Alaska Division of Elections administers all federal, state, and local elections for Kotzebue voters. Regional office information can be obtained through the statewide headquarters at 240 Main Street, Suite 400, Juneau, AK 99801 (phone: 907-465-4611, website: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/). Closer to home, the Northwest Arctic Borough Clerk's Office at 163 Lagoon Street, Kotzebue, AK 99752 (phone: 907-442-2500) assists with local election administration and provides information on borough elections and ballot measures affecting the area.
Registration to vote can be completed online at https://voterregistration.alaska.gov/ up to 30 days before an election. The process requires an Alaska driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. In-person registration is available at any Division of Elections office, and mail registration is also accepted. Same-day registration is offered during the early voting period, which runs from 15 days before Election Day through Election Day itself. To register locally, residents must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Alaska residents for at least 30 days. Municipal elections for mayor and city council take place on the first Tuesday in October during odd-numbered years. Information about candidates, ballot measures, and polling locations for these municipal contests is available through the City Clerk's Office at 295 3rd Avenue (phone: 907-442-3401). Turnout for city elections typically ranges from 30-50% of registered voters. Finding your assigned polling place is straightforward using the Division of Elections' polling place lookup tool at https://www.elections.alaska.gov/vi_PP_PBL.php or by calling 907-465-4611. For municipal elections, the city typically operates one or two polling locations, often at Kotzebue Middle High School or other public buildings that can accommodate voters. Alaska's public records law makes extensive election information publicly accessible. Voter registration lists, with birth dates and driver's license numbers excluded, are available for purchase for political purposes. Campaign finance disclosures for candidates and ballot measure committees can be searched online through the Alaska Public Offices Commission at https://aws.state.ak.us/ApocReports/. Candidate filing information, including nominating petitions and financial disclosure forms, is available through the Division of Elections. After certification, precinct-level election results are published online. Alaska's ranked-choice voting system, implemented in 2022, now requires voters to rank candidates in order of preference for most races. The ballot will include the race for Alaska's The Alaska Governor's race is not scheduled for 2026 (last held in 2022, next in 2026 actually, Governor Mike Dunleavy's term). Residents will also decide state House and Senate seats representing the local district (House District 40 and Senate District T), and potentially Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly positions and local ballot measures. Specific candidates will file throughout 2026, with primary elections (if needed under Alaska's top-four system) in August 2026. Absentee and by-mail voting options are in Alaska. Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Applications are available at https://www.elections.alaska.gov/Core/absenteeandpetitionforms.php and must be received by the Division of Elections by the Saturday before Election Day (or the Thursday before for fax/electronic requests). Voted ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 10 days (domestic) or 15 days (overseas). Early in-person voting at regional election offices begins 15 days before Election Day.
Official Government Resources
FBI Most Wanted Criminals">
Kotzebue Alaska FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Kotzebue subjects.
Kotzebue Alaska Vital Records
Alaska Division of Public Health vital records for Kotzebue residents.
Kotzebue Alaska USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Kotzebue residents.
Kotzebue Alaska Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Kotzebue residents.
Kotzebue Alaska PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Property Records
Alaska Division of Natural Resources land records for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Archives and Genealogy
Alaska State Archives historical records and genealogy for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Alaska for Kotzebue filings.
Alaska Court System, Kotzebue Records
Search Alaska court records and case information for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Inmate Search
Alaska Department of Corrections offender information for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Missing Persons
Alaska State Troopers missing persons database for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Sex Offender Registry
Alaska Sex Offender / Child Kidnapper Registry for Kotzebue.
Kotzebue Alaska Criminal Records
Alaska State Troopers Criminal Records, search records for Kotzebue residents.
Kotzebue Alaska Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Kotzebue.
City of Kotzebue
Directory of Kotzebue city records and information
Kotzebue Police Department
Public Safety 258B Third Avenue PO Box 46 Kotzebue, AK 99752 (907) 442-3351
Kotzebue Fire Department
Fire & Rescue 600 Bison Street Kotzebue, AK 99752 Phone: (907) 442-3404 Email: kvfd@otz.net
Kotzebue Alaska Criminal Records Search and Information
Department of Public Safety 5700 E Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 Phone: (907) 269-5511
Kotzebue Criminal History and Record Services
Governor's Office Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110001 Juneau, AK 99811-0001 Telephone Inquiries: Phone (907) 465-3500 Fax (
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Kotzebue Inmate Search and Information
550 West 7th Street Suite 601 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-269-7397
Other Cities in Alaska
Search public records in other cities across Alaska:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Kotzebue, Alaska?
To register to vote in Kotzebue, Alaska, residents can register online through the Alaska Division of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Northwest Arctic County elections office. Alaska requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Alaska Division of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Kotzebue, contact the Northwest Arctic County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Kotzebue, Alaska?
Property records for Kotzebue, Alaska are maintained by the Northwest Arctic Borough Assessor's Office and the Northwest Arctic County Alaska State Recorder's Office. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Northwest Arctic County, including parcels in Kotzebue. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Northwest Arctic County Alaska State Recorder's Office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Alaska counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Northwest Arctic County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Kotzebue, Alaska?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Kotzebue, Alaska residents are available through both county and state offices. The Alaska Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, located in Juneau, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Alaska. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Northwest Arctic County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Northwest Arctic County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.